Sharp Edges, Clear Focus Athletics Helps a Three-Time Olympian Meet Life’S Challenges P

Vol. 15, No. 2 | Fall 2013 ive earn LExcelsior College Magazine L

Sharp Edges, Clear Focus Athletics helps a three-time Olympian meet life’s challenges p. 12 Vol. 15, No. 2 | Fall 2013 Table of Contents

Features

12 Adjusting for the Wind Curt Schreiner ’93, a three-time Olympian, is a straight-shooter who combines mind and body not only in competitions but also as he faces real life challenges.

15 Beyond the Battles As the United States marks the sesquicenten- 12 nial of the Civil War, faculty members Robert Arnold and Jennifer Lemak offer tangible and insightful aspects to the study of this period, making it real and relevant 150 years later.

Departments

2 President’s Perspective 3 Virtually Everywhere: News from Excelsior College 10 Career Corner Knowing your workplace values provides a framework for career planning and decision making.

15 19 Alumni Connection News about webinars, events, and strengthening the ties that bind.

22 Hats Off News from and about alumni.

24 By the Numbers

While many individual milestones were celebrated at Commencement on July 12, chief 4 among them was an Excelsior achievement: 10 the College’s 150,000th graduate crossed the stage! Eugene Cuthbert of Killeen, Texas, ON THE COVER: Three-time Olympian earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts in Curt Schreiner ’93 achieved his best May 2013. Similar to many of the 149,999 international biathlon finish in 2000 at graduates who came before him, Cuthbert is the Military World Championships (CISM) a U.S. Army veteran, who combined military in Hochfiltzen, Austria, placing sixth out service and college credits with Excelsior of a field of 120. His wife, fellow biath- College courses to earn his degree. Now retired lete Deborah Nordyke, also achieved her from the service, Cuthbert is a police officer best international finish at the event. Both Schreiner and Nordyke were the only who plans to continue his studies at Excelsior 9 to earn a master’s degree in criminal justice competitors from a field of more than 200 to shoot 20 out of 20 that with a concentration in homeland security. He’s day. These noteworthy achievements were accomplished on just three representative of the 34 percent of this year’s hours of sleep after the two were up during the night with their son, class who are members of the U.S. military. Jon, who was ill. Photo courtesy of the National Guard Sports Office. Photo: Mike Hemberger

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Fall 2013 | 1 VIRTUALLY EVERYWHERE NEWS FROM EXCELSIOR COLLEGE President’s Perspective

A Commitment to Service

xcelsior’s record of service to those who serve — in uniform or out — was A New School School of Public Service CATALOG marked by the creation of its fifth school, the School of Public Service, in for Excelsior Educational Games for All September. Initially the school will be home to the criminal justice and military studies programs, relocated from the School of Liberal Arts. tudents he College’s second sympo- The panelists included Joey Lee, assis- Efforts are already underway to add a Master of Public Administration in pursuing sium on the use of educational tant professor of technology and education fall 2014 and, hopefully, a degree in public policy a year later. degrees in games to facilitate learning, at Teachers College, Columbia University; www.e S xcelsior.edu criminal justice T held on May 17, featured a moderator Clark Aldrich, founder and man- EThese and other offerings will focus on the unique and challenging aspects of gov- panel discussion among leaders in the aging partner of Clark Aldrich Designs LLC, and military studies ernment and not-for-profit work in response to the need for sophisticated skills in an educational simulation field and experts in a company that creates custom simulations have a new home at Excelsior: increasingly complex society, and to meet ever higher standards of performance and developing educational games. Panelists and serious games; Lee Sheldon, associ- the School of Public Service. accountability in those segments. of the Games and the Curriculum: Toward ate professor and co-director of the Games The new school represents a signif- a New Education Model event discussed and Simulation Arts program at Rensselaer Those working in the public sector today are dedicated, skilled individuals overseeing icant investment in a growing arena, what they’re doing and what can be done Polytechnic Institute; Tobi Saulnier; Jon tasks vital to the functioning of our economy and our nation, as well as to our personal says Scott Dalrymple, who serves as with educational games as well as the chal- Aleckson, CEO of Web Courseworks Ltd.; safety and well being. They are our police, fire, and emergency service providers. At its dean in addition to the School of lenges of creating games that are effective and Ben DeVane, assistant professor of Dr. John F. Ebersole the local level they are our building inspectors, public health, welfare, and probation Liberal Arts. “We chose the name learning tools for students of all ages. digital arts and sciences at the University officials. Nationally, we see public service employees supporting our military, inspect- Public Service deliberately,” he “Some of us will not be digital natives … of Florida. More than 250 people from the but we can be tourists,” said panelist Toby United States and beyond attended the ing our food and water supplies, and overseeing drug safety. They control aircraft, adds. “We wanted a name that could Saulnier, CEO of First Playable Productions. workshop in person or remotely. The work- guard our borders, and help start new businesses. encompass various related fields in She was referring to people born in 1975 or shop can be viewed at www.excelsior.edu/ government, the military, not-for- earlier who might not be as comfortable in games-curriculum. Excelsior will be a resource to this sector, helping to increase its efficiency and its repu- profit management, public adminis- tation for professionalism. Toward this end, the School of Public Service will call on the gaming world as those in the following Excelsior College will debut its first tration, and criminal justice.” generations but who can benefit from the learning game, Paper Capers, this fall as the rich pool of seasoned public administrators, career law enforcement, and political The School of Public Service experience. The panel members indicated part of the Online Writing Lab. science scholars who are found in our nation’s capital (where the College has a growing houses three programs transferred that, done well, successful educational presence). The School of Public Service will build a reputation for combining relevant from the School of Liberal Arts: games are playful, motivating, challenging, theory with proven practices in its instruction. the undergraduate and master’s and participatory. A goal of the School of Public Service will be to help prepare the next generation of programs in criminal justice, and public sector employees at the local, state, and federal levels. the undergraduate program in military studies. The College plans At Excelsior, we recognize that there is honor in all forms of professional endeavor. As to seek regulatory approval to offer a comprehensive institution of higher education, Excelsior seeks to provide relevant, graduate degrees in public admin- affordable education that makes a difference — both in the lives of our graduates, and istration and public policy, with in the lives of those they serve. possible emphases on health care and not-for-profit management.

“We wanted a name that could encompass various related fields in government, the Excelsior College Magazine Vol. 15, No. 2 | Fall 2013 Live Learn military, not-for-profit management, public H e Mike Vice President Art Director/Graphic Designer Live & Learn is published by the Office of Address corrections and requests

for Institutional Advancement Nick Klercker Institutional Advancement at Excelsior to receive notification of the availability m

administration, and ber Cathy S. Kushner Graphic Designers College twice a year, in April and October. of the magazine online may be sent to Assistant Vice President Nick Forte, Jason Hughes, Deb Marrow © 2013 by Excelsior College. [email protected]. criminal justice.” g er for Institutional Advancement Production Manager Editorial office: 7 Columbia Circle, For general information about William M. Stewart Ron Pavoldi Albany, NY 12203-5159. Excelsior College, call 888-647-2388 Assistant professors Ben DeVane from the University of Florida and Joey Lee from Teachers Editor in Chief Production Coordinator Email: [email protected] www.excelsior.edu/LiveANDLEARN College, Columbia University, described the impact and potential of using games in education. Maria C. Sparks /Logistics Manager Senior Editor Cheryl Kennedy Dana Yanulavich Fall 2013 | 3 VIRTUALLY EVERYWHere NEWS FROM EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

The Class of 2013 includes more than 4,600 students— 34 percent were members of the U.S. military ­— and all 50 states, the Many Milestones Reached District of Columbia, U.S. territories and 15 other nations were rep- resented. The graduates’ average age was 37; the oldest grad was a 70-year-old woman from Florida who earned an associate degree and at Annual Commencement the youngest was a 17-year-old man, who earned a bachelor’s degree.

cknowledging the class of 2013 xcelsior President John for its “unflagging pursuit of F. Ebersole awarded the Aknowledge and understand- EPresident’s Medal to Pamela ing,” was Commencement speaker J. Tate at the Awards Convocation Adm. Mike Mullen, former chairman on July 11. President of the Council of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (2007–2011). for Adult and Experiential Learning tudent speaker Donald He was the principal military advisor (CAEL), Tate also serves on Gregoire told his class- to both President George W. Bush Excelsior’s board of trustees. Tate Smates of his 30-year and President Barack Obama, as was recognized for her dedication to journey to earn his degree. Now well as to two secretaries of defense, the educational needs of America’s manager of regulatory affairs and told graduates, “Go use that workforce, her belief in lifelong for Columbia Generating Station knowledge — that desire for continuous learning, and her steadfast support in Washington, he earned a learning — to serve a greater good, to of Excelsior College’s mission to Bachelor of Science in technol- advance the cause of your fellow man, to enhance access to higher education ogy. A Navy veteran, Gregoire achieve not for yourself but for others.” among America’s working adults. acknowledged Excelsior, saying “Thank you for helping each one of us here to obtain our degrees amidst the challenges we had to onorary degrees were presented Risk, Resilience, Responsibility, Reach face in this life.” to two individuals whose work Back (help those who follow you). A. Frank Hreflects the mission of the Mayadas, founding president of The Sloan College. Roderick L. Ireland, chief justice of Consortium (Sloan-C), was presented the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, with a Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) raduate and alumni awards were presented at the Awards received a Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) in recognition of his career as a leader Convocation on July 11. Nine grads were on hand to receive in recognition of his distinguished career and educator, and his encouragement of Gtheir awards, and many shared comments. Three alumni were as a jurist and educator, and his encour- learning. Mayadas (shown below) said, also honored for their achievements (see article, page 6). “It’s an awe- agement of learning as a lifelong endeavor. “Online learning today is the fastest grow- Ireland (pictured below) told the assembly, ing parameter of any of the measurements some feeling to complete a degree while you have a day job,” said “Attitude makes a difference in how you you can make in higher ed. It grows faster, Richard Lee James of Saratoga Springs, N.Y. (shown), who was the approach life and how life responds to and it is starting to penetrate education in wo new chapters of international recipient of the Catherine Craig-Erhardt Memorial Award. He earned you,” and he outlined his five Rs: Respect, a way we never thought possible.” honor societies inducted their a Bachelor of Science in nuclear engineering technology, cum laude. Tfirst students on July 11. Upsilon “Without Excelsior College, I never would have been able to finish my Pi Epsilon (UPE), the International Honor degree,” said Heather Leigh Sanford of Johnson City, N.Y., who received Society for the Computing and Information the Robert E. Kinsinger Award for her Disciplines, and Sigma Beta Delta, the work to earn a Bachelor of Science International Honor Society for Business, Management and Administration join the in business. She noted that when College’s other honor societies in nuclear asked by friends and family how she technology, nursing, and liberal arts. More could go to school with all her other than 130 students were recognized responsibilities, she would reply, “I The ceremony was webcast live and for their academic achievements have the ability to go to school at and welcomed into the also recorded for repeat viewing. To 3 a.m. in my pajamas.” To watch a

College’s five honor er watch Commencement 2013, go to society chapters. g recording of the awards event, go to ber www.excelsior.edu/webcast. m

e www.excelsior.edu/commencement.

4 | Live & Learn Photos: Mike H Fall 2013 | 5 VIRTUALLY EVERYWHERE NEWS FROM EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

Alumni Recognized for Achievements Event Celebrates Excelsior’s Partners New Trustees Join Excelsior Board hree alumni were honored for Alyson J. Breisch Michael E. Gonzales he annual Partners in Lifelong administrator. From 1996 to 2004, their outstanding achievements 2013 Carrie B. Lenburg Award Recipient 2013 C. Wayne Williams Award Recipient Learning event raised $90,000 she served as the president of the elping to guide the future Tat the College’s annual Awards to fund scholarships for University at Albany, State direction of Excelsior are Alyson J. Breisch, MSN, FCN, RN, of Durham, After a 25-year military career, Michael E. T Convocation on July 11. Awards were pre- New York State students in need of University of New York. three new members of the sented by Sara Waldorf ’03, Alumni Advisory N.C., graduated from Excelsior (then Gonzales ’04 retired from the U.S. Air Force H financial support. The event was Board president, with the help of Shannon Regents) College in 1984 with a Bachelor of as a master sergeant and became a high College’s board of trustees. Lyvier one of the ways in fiscal year 2013 McMillan ’07, ’09, Awards Committee chair. Science in nursing. Since then, she has used school aerospace science instructor, instill- Conss brings to the board more than The three award winners offered some the competency-based education models ing the Air Force core values of Integrity First, that nearly 2,000 people made a dif- 27 years of experience in administra- observations about their degree paths and initially learned at Excelsior to teach patients Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We ference in the lives of students by tion, grants development and explained how their Excelsior education and students. Breisch is president/owner Do to his Air Force Junior Reserve Officer contributing to the annual campaign management, and public and private impacted their lives and others. Alumni of Breisch Heath Education PLLC, which Training Corps unit. He left his educational or endowed funds. Overall gifts fundraising with an emphasis in provides consultation and education in faith career to return to his hometown of Parker, Achievement Award recipient Francis Deisler totaled $477,781, enabling the College higher education. She is the founding community nursing, health ministries, clinical Ariz., where he now gives back to his com- said, “The degree from this College actually to provide more than 600 students executive director of the Community did turn my life around. Higher education advancement, and nursing leadership. She munity as a medical caseworker for the with scholarships and to support College National Center for was my future.” Noting that she has applied also advances nursing excellence through Colorado River Indian Tribes. faculty and programs. Community Engagement. As firm competency-based education she learned mentoring and active participation in local, The College began the Partners in at Excelsior to teach patients and to mentor regional, and national organizations. director of the Security & Privacy New Programs Lifelong Learning event in 2008 to Caren Kaziyev, an RN, spent 16 years Services Group at Deloitte & nursing students, Carrie B. Lenburg Award Francis J. Deisler raise awareness of the importance as the stay-at-home “CEO of an Touche’s Enterprise Risk Services, recipient Alyson Breisch said, “Many have 2013 Alumni Achievement Award Recipient of Study benefited from my education at Excelsior.” of lifelong learning while at the organization comprised of my husband KH Maman brings more than and six children” before returning to And Michael Gonzales, the recipient of the Francis Deisler, PhD, by his own admis- he School of Health Sciences same time funding scholarships for 25 years of experience in the field of nursing in 2011. At about the same C. Wayne Williams Award, said, “Taking the sion, was a juvenile drug abuser who was students working toward completing added its first graduate-level time, she enrolled at Excelsior to earn a information systems security, tele- time to get your degree from Excelsior College, frequently in trouble with the law. “What Tprogram in May. The Master their degrees. In its history, the event master’s in nursing with a specialization communications, systems design turned my life around,” he explains, “was whether it’s an associate, bachelor’s, or of Science in Health Sciences requires has recognized the achievements of in nursing education. “There had been the opportunity to learn and get an educa- and integration, network consulting, master’s degree, means that you have made 18 credits in core subjects and offers 45 individuals and organizations and so many changes in the field that I tion.” He credits the Bachelor of Science he business continuity planning, and a commitment to make yourself even better two options for the remaining 15 cred- felt as though I could hardly keep up,” earned from Excelsior (then Regents) College raised more than $430,000, benefiting disaster recovery. Louis Soares is than you were before. You are determined its. Practicing care professionals may said Kaziyev at the Partners in Lifelong approximately 300 students. vice president for policy research to excel in life, sometimes facing enormous in 1980 as the turning point in his life. Now choose courses centered on health Learning event. “I needed an advanced This year, the College presented challenges that would make others give up, a licensed clinical psychologist and licensed professions education to prepare for degree not only to advance in nursing and strategy at the American but not you as an Excelsior graduate.” clinical social worker who lives in Fort Wayne, faculty roles within their field. Students two Partners in Lifelong Learning but to be better equipped to help my Council on Education. He has more Read more about the recipients: Ind., he has dedicated his career to treating with previous graduate-level credits, or Awards in recognition of the impor- patients in the way that I wanted to. than 20 years of experience in post- clients with backgrounds similar to his. those who would like to fulfill require- tance of continued learning and … What’s great about Excelsior is that secondary education and economic there are so many other students who ments by choosing from among the achievement. It honored KeyBank development policy. are lifelong learners.” Photo: Kris Qua many Excelsior graduate-level courses, for its 185-year commitment to may choose a flexible “no specializa- New York’s Capital Region, where tion” option. Excelsior is located. KeyBank is one In May, the School of Business & of the largest bank-based financial Technology added two dual degree Trustee emeritus Robert E. Kinsinger services companies in the United programs: the Bachelor of Science was honored on July 11 for his longtime States. A significant supporter of the dedication and support of Excelsior College. in Information Technology to Master In appreciation for his many contributions of Business Administration and the nonprofit sector through charitable giving, Key has been a generous to improving nursing education, College Bachelor of Science in Information officials announced the creation of the Technology to Master of Science in sponsor of Excelsior’s scholarships Robert E. Kinsinger Institute for Nursing Cybersecurity. Both fast-track options benefiting students in the Albany, Excellence. The institute will include prepare students for leadership and N.Y., area. resources to support students as they managerial positions by building upon The College also recognized pursue their nursing degrees. the technical knowledge they gain at the Karen R. Hitchcock, special advisor, undergraduate level. As of September, Park Strategies LLC, who has had a the school also offers a Bachelor of distinguished career as an educator, Alumni Award recipients Michael Gonzales ’04, Alyson Breisch ’84, and Francis Deisler ’80 Science in Cyber Operations and a were recognized for their achievements at the Awards Convocation in July. Photo: Mike Hemberger Master of Science in Management. research scientist, and university g er ber m

6 | Live & Learn Mike H e VIRTUALLY EVERYWHERE NEWS FROM EXCELSIOR COLLEGE

College Recognizes 2013 Distinguished Faculty CPD Short Courses Long on Learning

istinguished Faculty Member of Tracy J. Sipma, MBA, School of Business & Tracy J. Sipma is a quality man- the Year awards were presented Technology; and Judith V. Treschuk, PhD, CNS, agement professional with 20 years of he Center for Professional by Mary Beth Hanner, provost and CNE, RN, School of Nursing. quality and technical experience in health Development continues to respond Dchief academic officer, at the All Patricia Case has been a professor care and environmental industries. She Tto user demand with the develop- H e Mike Faculty Luncheon on July 11. The recipients, of sociology for approximately 20 years. At serves students and communities as an ment of new programs to help people m

nominated by students, staff, and faculty, Excelsior since 2009, Case has developed online instructor for Excelsior College and supplement existing skills or learn new ber

exemplify the finest qualities of the Excelsior and taught challenging and key courses as vice president of quality for LifeServe ones. Recently added were short courses: g er College faculty and are representative of the in the School of Liberal Arts, including the Blood Center, the 15th largest blood collec- six-week, instructor-led specialized extraordinary and truly distinguished service Social Science Capstone; Social Science tion and manufacturing center in the United training in areas such as Effective Business they provide to students and the College. Research; Families, Delinquency and Crime; States. Sipma has been on the College’s Writing, Introduction to Microsoft Excel This year’s distinguished faculty are Patricia Religion and Society; and Contemporary faculty since 2012 and developed Technical 2010, HIPAA Compliance, and Wireless Case, PhD, School of Liberal Arts; Gary R. Social Problems. She has several publica- Writing and Human Performance Technology McClain, PhD, School of Health Sciences; tions and research grants to her name and I: Performance Improvement and has served Networking, to name a few. Most are is an accomplished professor and scholar as instructor for Quality and Productivity priced at $95 each, making them an afford- in her field. At Wayne State University, she Methods; Organization and Behavior; and able way to polish skills or enjoy personal earned a bachelor’s, master’s and PhD, all Economic Analysis for Engineers. enrichment. These courses are a way to College Holds Dedication of in sociology. On the Excelsior College faculty since gain knowledge in a variety of areas for Gary R. McClain has served on 2006, Judith V. Treschuk has been those not necessarily interested in earning Web-based Veterans Center Excelsior’s faculty since 2010 and has an instructor of both undergraduate and a degree. A list of courses is available on developed and taught the College’s Health graduate-level nursing courses. With more CPD’s website. In addition, more than and Wellness course. He has also been than 20 years of experience, Treschuk he Lt. Col. Bryant A. Murray Veterans Center was offi- 4,500 self-paced tutorials are available in the instructor of Sociology of Health and brings expertise in community health nurs- cially dedicated prior to Commencement on July 12. the CPD’s EC for Business section. A wide Wellness; Health Care Issues in Culturally ing, gerontological nursing, informatics, Distinguished guests, including Adm. Mike Mullen, Diverse Populations; Psychosocial and nursing education. She teaches range of topics are offered, including members of the board of trustees, and College staff Impacts of Chronic Illness on Person and Technology in Nursing Education, a course accounting, computing, cosmetology, engi- T received a virtual tour of the Murray Veterans Center and learned Environment; and Introduction to Health that requires extensive interaction with stu- neering, health care, and more. Care Delivery Systems. McClain has written dents who are learning to apply new about the many resources it offers. Adm. Mullen, former chairman of the Joint Chief of Staffs, expressed his gratitude for Excelsior’s After the Diagnosis: How Patients React and technologies in teaching-learning environ- In The Call of Nursing: Voices from the How to Help Them Cope, a supplemental ments. Skype, audio feedback, Jing, screen efforts, characterizing the College as “an extraordinary institu- Front Lines of Health Care, 23 alumni textbook for nursing and the allied health cast tutorials, and Voki are some of the tion of higher education that has made such a big difference.” share their experiences as nurses. They bring the professions. In addition to his course- technologies she uses to enhance the The veterans center was named in honor of the father of Excelsior Provost and Chief Academic Officer Mary reader along on the job to workplaces ranging from Beth Hanner (left) presented Distinguished work, he has also contributed an online learning experience for students in her military hospitals and trauma centers to universi- Trustee Bryanne Hamill ’86. The Hamills’ gift to initiate the Faculty Member of the Year awards to Gary article, Dealing with Loss, Depression or course. She also teaches Community ties and med-flight helicopters. Their first-person Excelsior College Veterans Endowment Fund provided the naming R. McClain, School of Health Sciences, and Grief During the Holidays, to the College’s Health Nursing in which she combines her stories provide insight into the challenges and gift for the veterans center, and Hamill said, “Knowing firsthand Judith Treschuk, School of Nursing. Not in online newsroom, Excelsior Life; facilitated experience with an innate ability to moti- rewards of the profession, and highlight the non- the sacrifices active-duty servicemembers make protecting our attendance but also receiving awards were a webinar in 2011 for the School of Health vate students while demonstrating immense traditional routes some took to that career. “But, freedoms, our liberties, and our way of life, my family finds that faculty from the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences; and wrote an article for Live & caring about their learning. taken together, their stories chronicle work experi- the School of Business & Technology. Learn on managing stress. veterans are most deserving of our assistance. As a graduate and Photo: Mike Hemberger ences and environments that not only illuminate the as a current trustee of the board, our family feels we have found broad range of career options for nurses but also the perfect venue for such a form a valuable body of health care knowledge,” memorial on the 25th anniver- Above: Trustee Bryanne Hamill ’86 writes Gertrude B. Hutchinson, archivist (center) makes the opening of the at Bellevue Alumnae Center for Nursing sary of my father’s passing.” Lt. Col. Bryant A. Murray Veterans xcelsior College received the national distance education innova- History, in the book’s foreword. “All Hamill went on to pledge that Center official, as (clockwise from Kudos for tion award from the National University Technology Network for its in all, this book communicates the her family would match their left) her son, Justin Hamill; retired EESL-WOW (English as a Second Language-Writing Online Workshop). essence of nursing.” To read an original gift in order to help Brig. Gen. Jerry L. Neff, Army National ESL- Describing ESL-WOW as an “innovative solution to a critical need,” the excerpt from the book, the latest further support the Center. Guard; retired Cmdr. John F. Ebersole, panel of reviewers also recognized the project as providing comprehensive published by Hudson Whitman/ U.S. Coast Guard; and retired Adm. Mike Mullen, U.S. Navy; look on. WOW and thorough resources, specifically citing the Avoiding Plagiarism Tutorial. Excelsior College Press, go to hudsonwhitman.com.

For more news, visit Excelsior Life, the online newsroom covering the people, events, and programs of the College at > www.excelsior.edu/excelsior life. 8 | Live & Learn Fall 2013 | 9 Career Awareness of your workplace Corner seek in a work environment. Think about past experi- ences when you were confident, satisfied, and felt pride values provides tremendous in your work. What factors contributed to those feelings Follow of fulfillment? If you get stuck, try the contrast approach: insight and a strong frame- think about what you would not want to encounter in a job setting. This will likely lead you to more positive work for career planning and Your Inner preferences you would embrace, and the corresponding convictions you stand for. In addition to creating your own personal list, there decision making. Compass are also several online workplace values inventories that can assist (see Related Resources). These brief, targeted inventories not only increase awareness of your values but also help prioritize them. Ranking them can help Do staff members seem engaged in their work? Is the Use your values tremendously when faced with career conundrums such atmosphere tense or relaxed? as an unexpected transfer, revised responsibilities, or job In the interview, ask questions that will yield infor- to set a course for loss. A well-defined hierarchy of your workplace values mation about the work environment. Does the company will help to assess the elements of a job you can be flexible provide professional development opportunities? Is there a successful career about, and those you are not willing to compromise. room for innovation and creativity? Also note the type of questions you are asked by the interviewer. Are they By Maribeth Gunner Pulliam Honor Your Values insightful questions that show interest in who you are Once you clarify and validate your workplace values, and what you have to offer? Employing each of these ur values are one of the most solely focus on aligning their interests and abilities with how can you determine that they are commensurate with tactics will help you decide whether your values correlate empowering personal and profes- potential employment opportunities. a potential employment opportunity? with the job and employer. Of course, realistically, not sional navigation tools we possess. Knowing what intrigues you about a job and how Begin by researching the job and employer. Review every value can be met at all times in your job or career. They guide our actions, shape our your strengths correlate are essential factors that the organization’s website. If you value access and com- However, you can strive to achieve the majority of what lifestyles, steer our careers, and ulti- require attention. Yet, equally as critical is identifying munication in a work environment, look to see if its you deem most important. mately define our character. Traits what is truly important to you — what you value in the mission and history are clearly stated. Is the employer such as honesty, discipline, depend- workplace. All the interests and skills in the world will forthcoming with information about the institution? Is Schedule Regular Values Checkups ability, justice, and compassion are just a few examples not guarantee success and satisfaction if you are in a job O contact information easily accessible? Also be sure to Awareness of your workplace values is a continuous of values that influence our actions and goals. Each of us that is not congruent with your core beliefs. examine the job description. What qualifications are process. Although these values are generally stable, it is has our own unique set of values that reflect the beliefs, For example, if you value time at home with family required? Does it specify a need for a candidate who important to recognize that some may change over time. attitudes, and principles we deem highly important in during leisure hours, will you be satisfied or fulfilled is a team player, an independent thinker, ambitious, or For example, at the onset of your career, financial gain our lives. They are the qualities we cherish the most in if you accept a job that matches your credentials but dedicated? Does the job description highlight the same and status may be a top priority. However, later in your ourselves, and those we revere in others. requires 80 percent travel? Or, if you highly value and qualities you aspire to achieve? If you know someone career, family and work–life balance may become of Values develop over time — some were likely instilled pride yourself on providing excellent customer service, who is presently employed at the organization, ask them higher value. Maintaining the pulse of your current by parents, relatives, friends, mentors, or religious leaders. would you enjoy working for an organization where the pertinent questions that target your core values. If you workplace values throughout your career trajectory will Others may have evolved from educational, cultural, only priority was profit, not people? Sure, you could value security, inquire about the turnover rates. If you help you to evaluate which jobs and work environments work, military, or other life experiences. Regardless of most likely sustain these situations for awhile. However, value self-direction in your work, ask how much inde- are most advantageous. Grounding career decisions in how or where they developed, our values are a central over time, working in a position that is personally dis- pendence they have in their job. There are also online well-defined values also ensures any future plans align part of who we are and who we want to become. agreeable can lead to dissatisfaction, lack of motivation, resources that can assist with your research; Vault.com with your personal and professional priorities. denigration of your self-image, loss of integrity, and in and Wetfeet.com offer company profiles and reviews, Values and Work short, unhappiness. The nature of your work should some of which are relayed by previous employees. never make you feel like you are compromising who you Related Resources As adults, we rely on our values to help direct our actions A good understanding of your values makes you well and decisions, especially when encountering future career are or what you value. Access this article, and many additional career-related links equipped to articulate them in a resume, cover letter, at the Excelsior College Career Center @ www.excelsior.edu/ choices. In fact, our overall personal convictions contain or job interview. Employers also seek certain values in Know Your Workplace Values career. All workplace values inventories noted in the article are a vital subset known as workplace values. These include their future hires. By conveying your workplace values located under the self-assessment section of the Career Center. a combination of personal and professional core beliefs Awareness of your workplace values provides tremendous through your written correspondence, you have a better Questions or comments about this article? Contact Maribeth that serve as guideposts when seeking meaningful work, insight and a strong framework for career planning and chance of engaging an employer that holds similar Gunner Pulliam at [email protected]. establishing career paths, and securing suitable work decision making. To gain more clarity of your workplace ideals and beliefs. If you land an interview, continue environments. Job seekers often overlook the important values, the first step is to identify them. Start by creating Maribeth Gunner Pulliam, MS Ed, is the director of career services, Center for vetting your workplace values. When you arrive for Online Education, Learning, and Academic Services at Excelsior College. role these values serve in the job search, and instead a personal list of the qualities and characteristics you the interview, pay close attention to the surroundings. Facebook.com/ECCareerCenter

10 | Live & Learn Fall 2013 | 11 Adjusting By Dana Yanulavich for the Excelsior Alumnus, Three-Time Olympian, WiMeets Challengens Head Odn xcelsior fields no sports teams; it has neither accuracy. In each shooting round, all five targets must be athletic fields nor gymnasiums; it lacks a hit; otherwise, the biathlete must ski a penalty loop for stadium of cheering fans; its fight song has yet each miss. And if the physical demands aren’t enough, to be written. Yet the College counts a three- biathletes must still their pounding hearts and rapid time Olympian among its graduates. breathing in order to take a steady shot, and of course, E Curt Schreiner ’93 is a world-class adjust their aim for the wind. biathlete who competed in the 1988, Schreiner compares biathlon to Cirque du Soleil, the 1992, and 1994 Olympic Games. Canadian troupe of performers that combines circus With the 2014 Winter Olympics in arts with aspects of street entertainment. Not because Sochi, Russia, beginning in February, the sport is full of acrobatics and sleights of hand, but you can be sure Schreiner will have a front-row rather because it takes a great deal of practice to accom- seat. He’ll be watching the events on his computer from plish astounding feats. It’s really a cognitive sport, he the comfort of his home in upstate New York. attests. “You really have to be thinking about what you’re Biathlon can easily be a contender for one of the doing in such a way that eventually your body knows most demanding sports: It combines the rigors of cross- exactly what to do. And you do it right every time. It’s country skiing with the precision of target shooting. a kinesthetic sense that eventually you’re coming to the Competitors race around a cross-country ski course range and your body just knows what to do.” The quality with a rifle strapped to their backs, pausing to shoot at of your training matters, too, he says. “Perfect practice targets 50 meters in the distance from a standing or prone makes perfect.” position. The race is scored not only by time, but also by This unique and challenging sport has its roots in the military, beginning in Scandinavia and Finland in the 1700s, and officially debuting as an Olympic sport in 1960. Schreiner’s own interest was piqued when he saw the sport at the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympics at the young age of 12. Later, when Schreiner began to pursue biathlon in earnest, he was encour- aged by other competitors to look into military service. Eventually, he joined the New York Army National Guard and participated in its biathlon program. Over the course of his military career, Schreiner visited 28 countries on the World Cup biathlon tour, commanded a unit for a year in Iraq in 2005, and retired as a major in 2010. His top biathlon finish was in the military as well—placing sixth in the 2000 World Military championships. Like the sport that defined much of his life, Schreiner’s home is also a major accomplishment. As a teenager

12 | Live & Learn Photo: Mike Hemberger. Inset Photos courtesy of the National Guard Sports Office. Fall 2013 | 13 “What this sport taught me the worked on his Olympic dream. However, once he made the Junior World Team, the demanding competition and most is perseverance and how to training schedules made it nearly impossible for him to complete classroom studies. With physical training focus on something and do the consuming 10 to 20 hours a week with up to an addi- tional 10 hours of shooting practice, there wasn’t time for best you can possibly do at it.” full-time study. When he entered the military and trained in different states, he acquired more college credits at Northern Michigan University. But making the Olympic newly fascinated with the sport, he along with his father team wasn’t Schreiner’s only goal: earning a degree was and brother began to build their own biathlon course on his list as well. “I recognized the way to go for me on the family’s 175 acres in Day, N.Y., overlooking the eventually would be to become an officer and you need Great Sacandaga Lake. Not only did the course serve the to have a bachelor’s degree to become an officer,” he says. young Schreiner’s Olympic aspirations well, but today It was through the National Guard’s education office that it’s home to the Saratoga Biathlon Club that hosts more he learned about Excelsior (then Regents) College and than 10 events each year. It’s Schreiner’s way of sharing completed his degree with CLEP, DANTES, and GRE his love of the sport. “I try to help people out through my exams. Excelsior’s independent study model was right on enjoyment of the sport, I try to provide other people with target for Schreiner’s aggressive travel schedule that saw that enjoyment by holding the races here and maintaining him away from home six to eight months a year. Later, the trail system,” he says. after his stint in Iraq, Schreiner completed a master’s Also on the family’s Adirondack property are homes degree at State University of New York at Plattsburgh’s built by and for Schreiner, his brother Jim, and his parents. Branch Campus at Queensbury with the intention of Schreiner continues to put the finishing touches on the pursuing a teaching career. house he shares with his wife, fellow Olympic biathlete But life threw Schreiner a penalty loop. In 2007, he was Deborah Nordyke, and children Jon, 14; Erik, 12; and diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which led to his retire- Katrin, 9; and Buddy the dog. Always ready to meet chal- ment from the Guard. “MS, what it really did, was it took lenges head on, Schreiner, at the suggestion of his wife, away all my super powers,” he said. “I used to be able to even built a rock-climbing wall into the side of the house. run like the wind—I could do five-minute miles and come Schreiner, the valedictorian of his Hadley-Luzerne in and shoot, accurately, five shots. But now, I can barely High School class, first began his college studies at work out—as soon as I get warmed up, I have to stop.” Skidmore College in nearby Saratoga Springs, N.Y. But the disease has not stilled this athlete’s drive and Commuting from home to school allowed him to ambition. In addition to maintaining the family biathlon continue his biathlon training on his home course as he course and organizing the Saratoga Biathlon Club, Schreiner is completing work on his home, volunteering with the Luzerne-Hadley Fire Department, and serving as a board member of Orion Bionetworks, a group that uses computer modeling to study brain disorders. Schreiner’s years of training and dedication have paid off not only with his Olympic bids and pursuit of an education while working full-time, but also now as he faces a serious illness. Just like the biathlete needs to perfect their mind and body in order to shoot accurately, Schreiner is adjusting for the wind in his life, learning to g er pace himself in the shadow of his illness. “What this sport ore than 150 years have passed since a three-day battle in Gettysburg, Pa., became ber m taught me the most is perseverance and how to focus on the turning point in the Civil War. Yet despite the march of time, interest in the something and do the best you can possibly do at it,” says Mike H e Schreiner. “I did this sport for over 20 years and it was Civil War remains constant and open to continued study and interpretation by kind of like my life for the most part. It helped me out amateurs and academic historians alike. What is it about this conflict, one that Olympic athlete Curt Schreiner ’93 has targeted his efforts on building a biathlon course on his upstate New York property. pretty much in everything else I did, because during and saw more Americans killed than World War I and II and Korea combined, that See a video of Schreiner demonstrating proper shooting after the sport years, I was always striving to be better.” technique at www.excelsior.edu/liveandlearn. makes it so personal, real, and relevant a century and a half later? Two Excelsior faculty members offer tangible and insightful aspects to the study of this turbulent and pivotal time in U.S. history.

By Maria C. Sparks 14 | Live & Learn Robert Arnold, adjunct Jennifer Lemak, an adjunct faculty member, draws faculty member, curated “An from personal stories, Irrepressible Conflict,” an official records, and his own award-winning exhibition at research to help students the New York State Museum develop an idea of what that explores the complexities life was like during the Civil of the Civil War and the War, especially for those on periods before and after. the home front.

Faculty member Robert Arnold’s interest in the Civil War examining the war with the purpose of connecting us “After slavery was abolished and the began early. When he was 7 years old, he says, his great- to the people who lived it. They go beyond the battles Civil War ended, Reconstruction tried grandmother told him about how she watched President to present the war — and the time periods before and to reincorporate the former Confederate Abraham Lincoln’s funeral train pass by the family after — through personal experiences that make the states back into the Union and transi- farm in central New York in April 1865. Then 7 years events of 150 years ago relevant to our own time. tion the entire Southern population from old herself, she and her family witnessed the procession We can relate to those who experienced the war even slavery to freedom,” says Lemak. “During from a fence on the edge of their farm, an experience that though a century and a half has passed and it was (largely) this time the South was under military rule became part of the family’s history. a different culture then, says Arnold, also a military and African Americans were allowed to For Arnold, this first-person story at once connects historian by avocation who teaches history courses at exercise their newly won freedoms. When him to a long ago event and makes it real in a personal Excelsior College and at The College of Saint Rose. “It’s Reconstruction ended and the federal troops sense. As the United States marks the sesquicentennial our history, North and South—it [the geographic distinc- left, the South reverted back to its pre-war of the Civil War, public historians such as Arnold and tion] doesn’t matter, not in the fullness of time. All the ways and instituted Jim Crow laws. This anti- Jennifer Lemak, also an adjunct faculty member, are veterans have gone, all the widows have gone. [But] it’s black climate in the South was the biggest our experience and it’s an important part of our nation’s reason for African Americans to move north in myth …,” he says, referencing the sometimes romanti- the 20th century, creating the Great Migration.” . cized views of the war. “But it belongs to us all. It touches m While planning the exhibition and gathering artifacts her into contact with two artifacts that, in their rarity and us all.” for it, Lemak found many items that demonstrate the com- simplicity, speak for a time long past. The two pot holders

To help us understand what the Civil War means tate Museu plexity of the issue of slavery and its legacy. Not everyone cross-stitched with jubilant dancers and the powerful now, Lemak and other historians link the Civil War to in the North supported the abolition of slavery, as they words “Any Holder but a Slave Holder” and “We’s ork S

the antebellum period before and Reconstruction that w Y feared competition for jobs and the loss of profitable Free” celebrate Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, followed to view historical events along a continuum. manufacturing business, among other concerns. Included delivered on January 1, 1863. The pot holders emerge as a Lemak, a senior historian at the New York State Museum in the exhibition are artifacts such as a slave collar owned first-person source of information, expressing the feeling

who teaches history courses at Excelsior College, curated ourtesy of Ne by an upstate New York slaveholder; both abolition and of the maker. an exhibition that explores how these periods connect pro-slavery materials; and

and their lasting impact. One example of this is the hotos: C a restraining chain from This slave collar, c. 1806, also pictured on page Great Migration of African Americans from the south the Union prison camp in 15, is tangible evidence of New York’s past as Abraham Lincoln’s funeral train car, photographed in Chicago to New York state between 1910 and 1970, Lemak’s rtifact p Elmira, N.Y., one of the a slave-holding state. Collections of the New York

by John Carbutt, 1865. Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, Allen er. A State Museum. area of longtime research. Slavery, the Civil War, and g most notorious of the war. The pot holders are rare mementos County Public Library.

Reconstruction were the catalysts for the move north. ber Her search also brought commemorating the Emancipation Proclamation. m e Collections of the Chemung County Historical Society.

16 | Live & Learn Photos: Mike H Fall 2013 | 17 Alumni Connection

Local Connection, relate to the course to make the material more relevant on One of the 23,275 graduates of USNY-Regents External Degree Program, or Universal Impact a personal level. Lemak has taught at Excelsior for more One of the 55,723 graduates of USNY-Regents College, or than two years and has also taught at the University at One of the 14,027 graduates of Regents College, or Albany in a traditional classroom environment. “Initially, The handmade pot holders add irrefutable evidence to One of the more than 57,000 graduates of Excelsior College I thought there was no way to teach history online, but historical facts. It is details such as this that Lemak and Read on for news of your alumni community Arnold bring to their class instruction. When Arnold digital resources make it easy,” she says. “History is are you hether W teaches, as well as when he makes presentations about the tangible.” Lemak shares information and artifacts she war, he enlivens facts with quotes from personal letters comes across in her work as a historian, and she will to bring the past alive, to help his students or audience often think of something to use in a course based on members relate to the people and circumstances of the the direction of the class discussion or a question that a Civil War. In these venues, Arnold begins with the broad student poses. The sharing of artifacts as digital visuals New Members of the Alumni Advisory Board 2013–2014 view and moves to the specific. “The details are what make translates well to the online environment, Lemak says. Alumni Advisory Board New board members were elected by you, the alumni-at-large, for three-year terms, serving it local and convincing,” says the career public historian. “The artifacts have power.” 2013 – 2016. For full biographies, visit www.excelsior.edu/web/alumni/advisory-board-and-staff. OFFICERS Arnold cites a letter, which is likely about the battle President at Gettysburg: What It All Means William Senn, BCI ’07 150 Years Later Kadidia Doumbia, BS ’85 registered nurse at a 25-bed frontier hospital. Franklin, TN Serving 2011–2014 July 5, 1863 Washington, DC | kadidia was re-elected to her A lifelong resident of Montana, she has a par- Dear Mother [email protected] Combining artifacts and anecdotes with current research second term on the board. During her first term, ticular interest in the unique challenges faced by she served as chair of the nominating committee non-traditional learners in rural areas. Vice President I have been through one more terrible battle on the Civil War adds personal perspective to history, LCDR Shannon McMillan, AS ’07, BA ’09 and also served on the awards committee. An Virginia Beach, VA and thank God I am still safe and sound. But adding new insight to the general understanding of events Adrienne S. Mason, BS ’11 educator and native of the Ivory Coast, she is Serving 2010–2016 and, ultimately, how the war is interpreted. As time Endwell, NY | Adrienne was re-elected to her not so with the rest of my companions. Smith especially interested in online education oppor- [email protected] passes, historians consider how the meaning of the war first full-term on the board, after filling a one- Haight is dead and Edwin Nelsen is I am afraid tunities for Third World countries. Secretary year term. Prior to joining the board in 2012, she mortally wounded. Also our captain is dead. has changed. Ronald Tosto, BPT ’12 Gettysburg, the momentous battle that left 51,000 Daniel Coberly, AS ’77, BS ’84 served as one of the Alumni Association’s first Walnut Creek, CA I hope that I shall never be obliged to lay on Raleigh, NC | dan was elected to his first term Alumni Ambassadors. As a student, she trans- Serving 2012–2015 wounded or dead, is a good example. Fifty years after the [email protected] on the board. As a young soldier, Dan found ferred to the College through one of Excelsior’s another battle field as long as we have lain here. battle, more than 53,000 Union and Confederate veterans Excelsior to be a cost-effective way to earn an many community college partnerships. ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS Your affectionate Son gathered at the site for a peaceful reunion with remarks accredited four-year degree. He retired from LCDR Shannon McMillan, AS ’07, BA ’09 Daniel L. Coberly, AS ’77, BS ’84 CJ Hardaway by President Wilson. “It was more a celebration of war, active military service as senior Army public Virginia Beach, VA | Shannon was re-elected Raleigh, NC fighting, and the camaraderie of a shared experience than affairs sergeant major with a rare concurrent Serving 2013–2016 to his second term on the board. During his first about the ideas that caused the war in the first place,” says commissioned rank of Army captain. He is a [email protected] Written from the perspective of a young farmer, the term, he served as chair of the awards committee Lemak. “At the Centennial, in the midst of the [1960s] senior government civilian. letter represents how the war affected the home front. It and often participated in board teleconferences Kadidia Doumbia, BS ’85 Civil Rights Movement, you get the people who still want Washington, DC was common for men from a particular community to Janet Ivers, AS in nursing ’05, MS in Nursing ’11 from sea, as he is active-duty U.S. Navy. This Serving 2010–2016 to glorify the war and another whole group that says, serve together, says Arnold. That also meant, he adds, Libby, MT | Jan was elected to her first term year, Shannon was elected vice-president by his [email protected] ‘We have been free for 100 years, but we still don’t enjoy on the board. She is currently employed as a fellow board members. that a single burst of grapeshot could — and did — result Dwayn Hanford, BS ’05 equality.’ Now at the sesquicentennial, I think because we in loss of life that would have catastrophic impact on a Springfield, VA are that much farther from the war and the reasons we Serving 2012–2014 village or neighborhood. The local impact of the Civil [email protected] went to war, we can incorporate all of that into a history War is undeniable, as more than 3 million men were drawn that is relevant to people today…. One hundred and fifty Janet Ivers, ASN ’05, MSN ’11 into the war and 382 battles were waged across 22 states. Libby, MT years ago, even Abraham Lincoln could have never envi- Arnold has given talks on the Civil War and other topics Serving 2013–2016 sioned an African American president. What would he [email protected] for the past 30 years, but there has been more demand for think of the presidency of Barack Obama?” Civil War talks because, he says, people can relate to it. Adrienne Mason, BS ’11 Likewise, there was a time many could not envision Endwell, NY “The home front is understandable to us,” says Arnold. Serving 2012–-2016 Lincoln as president. In the 1860 election, he received less “Those people 150 years ago are us.” [email protected] than 40 percent of the popular vote. Yet, when his funeral And because the war took place in and affected Wayne A. Oppel, BS ’91 train processed from Washington, D.C. to Springfield, many of our communities, this local aspect informs the Winston-Salem, NC Ill., over two weeks in 1865, millions turned out to pay Serving 2009–2015 class discussion in courses such HIS 335 United States [email protected] their respects. In 2015, a replica of the train will travel Civil War and introductory U.S. history courses. When through the cities of the original route to recreate the g er Marie Wrinn, BS in nursing ’10 Tucson, AZ students from different places in the United States are ber

journey. As this commemoration takes us back in history, m enrolled in the course, they bring their personal perspec- Serving 2011–2014 Arnold plans to be there, perhaps at the family farm, con- [email protected]

tives, says Lemak. To add to the “all history is local” idea, Mike H e necting the present to the past. she looks up historical sites in students’ hometowns that Alumni Advisory Board members at Commencement include (front row, left to right) Kadidia Doumbia, Adrienne Mason, Sara Waldorf (outgoing), Dwayn Hanford, Wayne Oppel, Shannon McMillan; (back row, left to right) Ronald Tosto, William Senn, Janet Ivers, Daniel Coberly, and Danny Scott (outgoing).

18 | Live & Learn Fall 2013 | 19 Alumni Connection

Web Chats A Chance to Inspire Others Trending Now: Volunteer-focused Web chats are presented by Ed Hallenbeck, career consultant for Excelsior Self-Nominate for an Alumni Award Service Opportunities College. Registration is required at Flexibility makes the Alumni www.excelsior.edu/AlumniChatReg s an Excelsior graduate, we know you’re doing great things. Many of you overcame serious obstacles to achieve a degree and pursue Ambassador program work for you Monday, a career, which makes you a role model to other alumni. An over- Writing LinkedIn Profiles: October A whelming number are serving your communities — and the United States — in Strengthening Your Online ways that make a difference. And with more than 46,000 nursing graduates Professional Presence 21 out there, there’s a strong commitment to nursing education worldwide. 8–9 pm ET So why not give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back by nominating LinkedIn is the largest professional yourself for an alumni award? Each year, at Excelsior’s Awards Convocation, network on the Internet and employers part of the College’s annual Commencement celebration, recognition is given are using it more and more to find new to outstanding graduates whose achievements are considered by the Alumni talent for their companies. Learn how to Advisory Board to be inspiring to other alumni and students. improve your presence and increase your Self-nominations for awards are accepted on a rolling basis and must be chances of being noticed by recruiters. received by January 15 of the award year. Award criteria, nomination instruc- tions, and the self-nomination form are available online. This year, the Alumni Advisory Board received 23 nominations from deserv- Monday, those with additional time Answers on the Spot! November ing alumni, and the 2013 alumni award recipients are shown on page 6. Read can get more involved: Responding to Common and more about them on the Alumni Awards Web page. ••Help make phone calls to remind alumni Difficult Interview Questions about upcoming events as requested by 18 www.excelsior.edu/alumniawards With just a few hours here 8–9 pm ET and there, alumni can: the Alumni Office You received a call for an interview. ••Submit news or developments about ••Act as a point of contact for information There’s an initial sense of excitement, alumni from their area to the Alumni Office but now what? Learn how to answer hen you hear the word and advice on career fields “volunteer” does it con- common and difficult interview ques- ••Promote the College to others by talking ••Coordinate or host activities and events tions with poise and confidence. Capital Region jure images of a frenzied, about its goals, mission, and programs stretched-too-thin type who for alumni and students around the Alumni Event W United States just doesn’t know how to say no? Or worse, ••Allow the College to share their name Monday, On Tuesday, August 6, February that of a benevolent do-gooder, with energy and contact information with alumni and Filling Your Job alumni and students to devote to every worthy cause, and time left students, if requested, in their geographi- “Gone are the days of categorizing vol- Search Tool Box gathered at Bailey’s Café over to polish her halo? cal area unteers as active or inactive; now, it’s a 26 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Relax. It doesn’t have to be that way. do-what-you-can-when-you-can world,” says 8–9 pm ET ••Support marketing and promotional for a casual gathering with Many organizations are tuning-in to the types Renee Kelly, alumni affairs and annual cam- In a competitive job market it’s important initiatives of the alumni and admissions food and drinks to share of experiences that contemporary volunteers paign manager. “We have a small staff, so to develop and implement a comprehensive offices Excelsior stories. are seeking—shorter time commitments and we rely on our alumni volunteers to be our job search plan that employs a multifaceted projects with specific start and end dates. ‘boots on the ground’ Ambassadors for alumni approach, using a variety of job search ••Offer advice on venues and suppliers for The Excelsior College Alumni Association is engagement. If they are willing to give what tools. Join us to discuss and learn about potential alumni events as needed no exception. little time they have, we’re more than willing to the top tools to use in finding a job. “This year, the Alumni Advisory Board ••Refer friends and acquaintances to work within their schedules.” WHERE revised the Ambassador Program to create Excelsior to complete their degrees Even the process for becoming an By sharing your email address with us, you will receive our monthly more flexible options that fit into graduates’ Ambassador has been streamlined to make Regional schedules, no matter where they are in their ••Share their Excelsior College experience ARE alumni e-newsletter, which is rich with information about the Alumni it easier to sign-up. Interested alumni should Events Association, benefits for alumni, new degree programs and career lives,” says Adrienne Mason, BS ’11, chair of with others both informally and formally complete the online form at www.excelsior. YOU services announcements, as well as news about regional happenings. the board’s Ambassador Committee. “These by providing a testimonial the College can edu/web/alumni/alumni-ambassadors, after Wednesday, opportunities really cater to alumni who have use in its marketing materials November You will also receive invitations to events and career and professional which they will be contacted by an Alumni Central Texas Alumni Event development Web chats. Visit www.excelsior.edu/myprofile. short periods of time to invest —say one hour Advisory Board member who will act as their ••Stay active in social media and advocate Killeen, TX a month —or those who can volunteer for point-of-contact in their region. Although the @? only specific time periods, such as between on behalf of the College on their own 13 program is flexible in theory, it still provides networks deployments,” she adds. the practical volunteer support that tradi- Look for us this winter and spring in tional programs offer. Ambassadors receive Washington, DC, and San Diego! LIKE US? JOIN US! a quarterly e-newsletter with information, Check out the Excelsior College Alumni Association Facebook opportunities, and tips for getting the most Visit www.excelsior.edu/alumnievents for For more information on becoming an Excelsior College Alumni Ambassador, email an page for current information about alumni happenings. out of the Ambassador experience. information and registration instructions. If you’re on LinkedIn, join the Excelsior College Alumni Group. Alumni Advisory Board member listed on page 19 or contact the Alumni Office at alumni@ excelsior.edu or (888) 647-2388, ext. 145.

20 | Live & Learn Fall 2013 | 21 He earned a Master of Public Margaret M. Brown, BSL ’08, MA/ had a significant impact on my military Administration from the University of LS ’12, Fayetteville, NC—is pursuing career.” Her next goal is to enroll in a Oklahoma in 2010. Eden writes that an EdD in education in leadership master’s degree program at Excelsior. earning his Excelsior degree was one and learning at Aspen University. of his proudest moments: “The feeling Active in her community, she serves School of of empowerment of starting and on the board of directors for the Nursing Hats Off! completing a difficult task, like getting Southeastern North Carolina Reading Hats Off! a degree, showed me that I was Radio Resources, as a certified Carlos G. Beato, capable of far more than I imagined, mediator for the Dispute Resolution BS in nursing What have you, our graduates, been doing? Read on to find out. both academically and professionally.” Center of Cumberland County, as a ’80, Clark, NJ— teen court assistant, and as a Sunday Christopher E. Crawford, BSL ’04, is chief executive school teacher. Laughlin, NV —first sergeant for the officer for Bon more excited to be working for an catalog for Cambodia, the book the Veterans Advisory Council for Texas 152nd Civil Engineering Squadron Kent A. Dorney, BSL ’09, Tonawanda, Secours New York School of Business Health System & Technology organization that provides such describes the financial instruments of Congressman John Carter. King credits with the Nevada Air National Guard, NY—was promoted to assistant vice valuable resources for such a worth- the country from its first issues in the his Excelsior (then Regents) College graduated in May 2013 from the president with M&T Bank in February (BSNY) in Riverdale, N.Y. Beato has 25 years of Alan Bell, BSB while cause.” 16th century to date. Daniel writes experience with helping him to make University of the Incarnate Word with 2013. He also graduated from the senior-level clinical, management, and ’85, Los Angeles, that he is currently working on a Lao the decision to continue his education a Master of Arts in administration with New England College of Business and Leo F. Markfort, AAT ’08, Auburn business development experience in CA—was elected numismatic catalog. after retirement. He earned a Master a concentration in applied administra- Finance with a Master of Science in Hats Off to the 35 alumni Hills, MI—graduated in April 2013 with both for-profit, not-for-profit, and faith- into the NAESM of Arts in Christian studies in 2012 tion. Crawford was promoted to the business ethics and compliance in a Bachelor of Science in finance with Harold A. Geller, BSL ’83, Burke, VA— based organizations, including who were published in the Black Gay Men and anticipates achieving a DEd in rank of senior master sergeant after December 2012. a minor in international management edited a book about his brother’s assisted living, skilled nursing, home first two issues of Excelsior Hall of Fame in organizational leadership, both from being selected as the top candidate in from Oakland University, where he was battle with cancer. John A. care, and post-acute rehab. He also January 2013 at Grand Canyon University. He writes, the Exceptional Promotion Program. ReView, an online publication a brother of the Mu Nu Chapter of A Cancer Story: Along Mandujano, BSL earned a Master of Science in health- the National “The advisors at Regents made it easy featuring the artistic and Alpha Kappa Psi and served as its vice the Road to Death by Ernest D. Swindle, AAB ’04, BSL ’06, ’10, Largo, FL— care administration from Jersey City African American MSM Leadership for me to achieve a goal that I thought literary work of alumni, president of membership. Metastasized Malignant Lawton, OK—retired from the U.S. Army is a project State University in 1984. Conference on HIV/AIDS and Other I would never achieve.” Melanoma was in 2006 after more than 23 years of manager at Y & L students, course and exam Health Disparities. Bell is president of published in January Margaret S. Davis, AS ’00, service. He credits his Excelsior bach- Consulting. Marianne K. Sciucco, AAS in nursing takers, faculty, and staff. BLK Publishing Company Inc. School of ’98, Middletown, NY—recently 2013 and is available Jacksonville Beach, FL—died March elor’s degree with preparing him for In 2011, he Excelsior Review is produced Liberal Arts published a novel, Blue Elizabeth L. on Amazon.com. 9, 2013. Despite losing her hearing civilian life. “I can honestly say without earned Project Hydrangeas, a tender twice a year by a group of Bewley, BS in Daniel L. Holcombe, AA ’72, as a child, Davis attended Longwood a doubt that Excelsior set me up for Management Professional (PMP) certi- Mark O. love story about a pair volunteer staff members to accounting ’85, Gresham, OR—was honored with College and Florida Southern College success,” he writes. Currently employed fication from the Project Management Lambert, BA ’89, of retired Cape Cod Prescott, AZ— a 2013 Silver Beaver Award from and earned her Excelsior degree at the by CGI Federal, he is enrolled in Institute (PMI). Also in 2011, he represent the creative talents Ames, Iowa— innkeepers struggling published her the Cascade Pacific Council of the age of 83. Excelsior’s Master of Science in became a Certified Professional in of the College community. The is assistant city with Alzheimer’s Disease. second book, Boy Scouts of America. The award is Cybersecurity program. Healthcare Information & Management issues, as well as submission attorney for the Troy L. Eden, BSL Sciucco drew on her Not Your given in honor of noteworthy service Systems (CPHIMS), recognized by the City of Ames ’02, Hampton, Thomas B. Phillips, AAT ’05, BSL experience as a nurse guidelines, are available at Grandmother’s of exceptional character to youth. Healthcare Information and Legal Depart- VA—was recently ’07, Wichita Falls, TX— is a social caring for Alzheimer’s patients and Nursing Home: Demystifying Today’s Holcombe is retired from the U.S. Management Systems Society review.excelsior.edu. ment. Lambert selected to serve studies teacher in the Wichita Falls their families to write the book. She Retirement Living Options. The book is Postal Service and enjoys traveling (HIMSS). In 2012, he was a district- was previously an administrative law as the Defense Independent School District. He retired notes, “I am not a nurse who writes, a compilation of 40 of her recent extensively with his wife to such level Florida delegate to the judge with the State of Iowa Depart- Intelligence from the Navy in 2008 and was able but a writer who happens to be a “The Good Patient” locations as Mexico, Central and South Democratic National Convention in ment of Inspections and Appeals. Agency senior to use his GI Bill benefits to complete nurse.” Sciucco also has a bachelor’s columns that appear America, the Mediterranean, and Charlotte, N.C. enlisted advisor his Texas teaching certificate and earn degree in English and previously weekly in the Daily Norway. He also earned a bachelor’s Elijah King Jr., BSL ’99, Killeen, Jon Gonzalez, BS for over 16,500 personnel. Eden joined a Master of Arts in history. He hopes John Tedesco, worked as a newspaper reporter. Courier, the degree from Parsons College in 1973 TX—retired from the U.S. Army in 2007 in business ’04 the U.S. Air Force in 1991 and has to begin work on a PhD next spring. BSL ’11, newspaper of and an MBA from the University of as a command sergeant major after and MS in served in several prestigious command Bellport, NY—is a J. Lucy Boyd, BS in nursing ’00, Prescott, one of Portland in 1980. 30 years on active duty, including two Jay Norwood, nursing ’12, San chief positions and earned many project engineer Lakesite, TN—has opened a medical America’s highest- tours in support of Operation Iraqi BSL ’07, writing course for nurses. She says Diego, CA— Howard A. Daniel III, AA ’75, Dunn awards, including the Defense at Underwriters rated retirement cities. Freedom and Operation Desert Shield/ Summerville, that her Excelsior (then Regents) teaches in Kaplan Loring, VA—retired from the U.S. Army Meritorious Service Medal with two Laboratories Inc. Storm. The recipient of three Bronze SC—a member degree “opened many doors for me.” College’s simula- Christopher K. Chu, BS in account- in 1981 after 22 years of service. bronze oak leaf clusters, the He noted that Star medals, King is a member of of the South tion lab and ing ’98, Hong Kong, China—earned His eighth book, Cambodia Coins & Meritorious Service Medal with two required travel many veterans organizations, including Carolina Army Adele H. Garcia, received two awards for his work: an MBA at the University of Chicago Currency, was published in December bronze oak leaf clusters, and Air Force made it difficult to adhere to a strict the Army Chief of Staff Retiree Council, National Guard, BS in nursing employee of the fourth quarter of in 2003. 2012. The first detailed numismatic Commendation Medal, among others. class schedule, but that “Excelsior’s the Fort Hood Retiree Council, and was recognized ’00, San Buno, 2012 and the 2012 Mothership Spirit format gave me the flexibility to CA— wrote her Joseph J. Matera, with a resolution by the South Carolina Award for his distinguished contribu- complete my college studies.” first book, Nurse AS in business House of Representatives on June 26. tions. He writes, “I attribute these Story 1 (the ’01 and BS in The resolution honored and congratu- Tina R. Gray, AAB achievements to my Excelsior College hospital years), business ’06, lated Capt. Norwood on receiving the ’12, BSL ’13, education.” He is working on a Doctor King Receives Pulitzer Prize which she plans Patterson, NY—is Bronze Star Medal for his exceptionally APO—has been of Nursing Practice at Capella to follow up with Nurse Story 2 (the associate director meritorious service while on a tour of promoted to the University. Gilbert A. King, BSL ’85, New York, NY—was awarded the 2013 clinic years). Garcia is a retired nurse. of CRM data Pulitzer Prize in nonfiction for Devil in the Grove: Thurgood Marshall, duty in Afghanistan and to express the rank of sergeant management at the Groveland Boys, and the Dawn of a New America, a richly detailed state’s appreciation for his committed major and will the March of Dimes Foundation. service. Norwood’s company also attend the United chronicle of racial injustice in the Florida town of Groveland in 1949, Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the assisted with preparations for the States Army involving four black men falsely accused of rape and drawing a civil Share news of your Go to excelsior.edu/hatsoff, March of Dimes help moms have Arizona governor’s visit to Afghanistan Sergeants Major Academy at Ft. Bliss, download and fill in the easy- rights crusader, and eventual Supreme Court justice, into the legal battle. in December 2012. Texas, in August 2013. Gray has been full-term pregnancies and researches accomplishments to-use form, and click to send the problems that threaten the health in the Army for 23 years, and writes, your submission electronically. of babies. He writes, “I couldn’t be “Continuing my civilian education has and activities:

22 | Live & Learn HATS OFF HATS OFF HATS OFF HATS OFF HATS OFF HATS OFF HATS OFF HATS OFF HATS OFF HATS OFF HATS OFF HATS OFF HATS OFF HATS OFF Fall 2013 | 23 At Commencement, Cynthia By the Morren of West Kingston, R.I., Military Times Edge, a publication Snap s celebrates earning an Associate # serving the military community, ranked shot in Science in nursing with her Excelsior’s School of Business & own personal — and proud — Technology number 5 on its inaugural Best cheering section. for Vets: Business Schools list. The same pub- lication has named Excelsior a “Best for

5% Vets” college for the past three years. Five percent of the 25.8 million people with diabe- The other business schools in the top tes have type 1, according 5 include Park University’s School of to the American Diabetes Association. In Shot: Business, D’Youville College’s School Staying Alive with of Business, Florida State University Diabetes—recently College of Business, and Texas A&M published by Hudson Whitman/Excelsior University’s Mays Business School. College Press—first-time author Amy Ryan gives a candid, intimate account of her experience living an insulin-dependent life since her diagnosis The number of times since 1999 that an Excelsior at age 29. College advisor received a top award from the National Academic Advising Association. Anne Connor, a senior advisor in the School of Liberal Arts, was named a recipient of the Outstanding Advising Award in April. She was recognized for her professionalism and student-centered approach to advising. Connor was one of eight 4 advisors nationwide to receive the award.

The total number of exams the College offers for students seeking credit through independent study and exam taking. As of June 2013, all the credit-bearing exams—with the exception of those related to nursing—are known as UExcel® exams. The nursing exams remain under the moniker Excelsior College® Examinations.

23The number of Excelsior College employees recently honored for 15, 20, 25, and 35 years of service. Of that group, one person was honored for 35 years of service and seven people for 25 years. At that time there were two employees with even longer service, one with 37 years and another who began working at the College on Day 1, 42 years ago. In April, Excelsior College was once again named a Top Workplace in New York’s Capital Region by the Times Union, which ranked employers based on surveys of employees at participating companies.

24 | Live & Learn NON-PROFIT ORG. 7 Columbia Circle US POSTAGE PAID Albany, NY 12203-5159 EXCELSIOR COLLEGE Www.Excelsior.Edu

Excelsior’s flexible, nontraditional model works for so many. Career What changers. Dream chasers. Lifelong learners. Some just end up in a very happens to a different place than expected, because sometimes, life is like that. student when What happens to a student when financing a college education doesn’t financing go according to plan? The College is able to provide scholarships for some, a college but the need is far greater than we can handle without your help. education You can help today. Your contribution to Excelsior’s Annual Campaign can make the difference doesn’t go between a student completing a Jon Raphael Gonzalez degree or not. ’04, ’12, RN, earned according to a Bachelor of Science Please consider a gift to help a in business and spent deserving student achieve an 18 years as an accountant, plan? Excelsior degree. but his passion for health care never wavered. This year Jon earned www.excelsior.edu/ a Master of Science in onlinegiving nursing from Excelsior.